With South African fuel prices and car maintenance costs rising in 2025, savvy motorists are looking for every opportunity to cut vehicle expenses. Car insurance is one area where smart choices can result in substantial savings — without sacrificing coverage.
This guide explores top strategies to get the best car insurance deal in South Africa this year. Whether you’re insuring a brand-new SUV or renewing an existing policy, following these tips can help you drive away with more money in your pocket.
1. Know the Types of Car Insurance
Before you compare quotes, it’s crucial to understand what coverage you really need.
Main Types of Cover:
- Comprehensive Insurance: Protects against damage to your car (accident, fire, theft) plus third-party liability. Best for newer or high-value cars.
- Third-Party, Fire & Theft: Covers damage to others’ property + fire/theft of your car — but not accidental damage to your own car.
- Third-Party Only: The minimum legal cover — pays for damage you cause to others’ property but offers no protection for your car.
Tip: If your car is financed or leased, comprehensive cover is usually required.
2. Compare Quotes from Multiple Providers
Never renew a policy blindly! Insurers often raise premiums automatically at renewal time. The best deals usually go to new customers.
Where to compare:
- Hippo.co.za — the largest insurance comparison site in SA.
- Individual insurer sites — some direct insurers like OUTsurance or MiWay sometimes offer extra discounts online.
- Brokers — good for niche needs (high-value or classic cars).
Comparing just 3–5 quotes can easily save you R200–R500/month — adding up to thousands per year.
3. Embrace Telematics & Usage-Based Insurance
2025 is seeing a major shift to usage-based insurance. Insurers reward good driving with lower premiums.
Popular programs:
- Discovery Insure’s Vitality Drive — Earn cashback, fuel rewards, and lower premiums by driving well.
- OUTsurance SmartDrive — Telematics-based discounts for safe drivers.
- King Price Insurance Pay Per K — Pay premiums based on actual kilometres driven (ideal for low-mileage users).
For careful drivers or those who don’t rack up high mileage, telemetry can easily slash costs by 20–30%.
4. Secure Your Vehicle to Lower Your Premium
Enhanced security = lower risk = lower premium.
Measures that save:
- Park in a locked garage or security estate.
- Install a tracker (especially for high-theft models like Toyota Hilux, VW Polo, Ford Ranger).
- Add an immobiliser or alarm.
- Use window etching or a VIN microdot system.
Many insurers give up to 10–15% discounts for these precautions.
5. Consider a Higher Excess
The excess is what you pay out of pocket if you claim. Increasing your excess lowers your premium — sometimes dramatically.
Example:
- R3,000 excess = Higher monthly premium.
- R5,000 or R7,500 excess = Lower monthly premium.
But: Only increase your excess to an amount you can comfortably afford in an emergency!
6. Bundle Policies for Extra Discounts
Many top insurers offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies — car + home insurance is the most common.
Leading bundle-friendly insurers:
- Santam
- OUTsurance
- MiWay
- Budget Insurance
Bundling can save 10–20% overall — worth it if you own property or have multiple vehicles.
7. Review Your Policy Regularly
Don’t treat insurance as “set and forget.” Review every 12 months — life changes can affect premiums.
Common life changes that can lower your cost:
- Moving to a safer suburb.
- Reduced annual mileage.
- No longer using car for business purposes.
- Adding additional named drivers (spouse with clean record).
Stay proactive — your needs may have changed, and so should your cover!
8. Keep a Clean Driving Record
Nothing affects insurance premiums more than your driving record. In 2025, insurers use big data to profile drivers more precisely.
Factors that raise premiums:
- Accidents — even if no claim is made.
- Traffic violations — speeding, reckless driving.
- Lapses in cover — insurers dislike gaps in insurance history.
A clean record = lower premiums and access to no-claim bonuses.
9. Choose an Insurer With Great Value, Not Just the Lowest Price
The cheapest deal isn’t always the best.
Reputation matters — fast claims processing, transparent communication, and responsive support are critical when you actually need to claim.
Highly rated in SA (2025):
- OUTsurance — Good service & cash back for claim-free years.
- Santam — Top choice for comprehensive policies and classic cars.
- MiWay — Flexible cover, strong digital service.
- Discovery Insure — Great for telematics rewards.
10. Use AUTO24’s Insurance Partners for Exclusive Deals
AUTO24 customers can access exclusive car insurance partnerships that offer:
- Tailored cover for used and pre-owned cars.
- Access to pay-per-kilometre policies.
- Pre-negotiated premium discounts for cars sold via AUTO24.
- Seamless integration — get insurance quotes instantly when buying on the AUTO24 platform.
This makes AUTO24 a smart choice for one-stop car buying and insurance — particularly if you’re shopping for your first car or a high-value pre-owned model.
Conclusion: Smarter Car Insurance Shopping Pays
With a growing number of products, pricing models, and digital tools, 2025 is the best year yet to shop smart for car insurance in South Africa.
Key takeaways:
Compare before renewing.
Leverage telematics if you’re a good driver.
Bundle and boost security for better pricing.
Review regularly — life changes = potential savings.
Choose a reputable insurer with strong claims performance.
And if you’re buying through AUTO24, don’t forget to explore their insurance partnerships to lock in even more value.
